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(HealthNewsDigest.com) – Do you have to worry about urine leaking out every time you cough? Do you limit your exercise because you fear the embarrassment of wet clothing or smelling like urine? Do you put up with a wet pad in your underwear even though you are long past menstrual periods? You may have a very common problem among women called stress urinary incontinence or SUI. Childbirth, menopause and the natural aging process can result in changes to the body that can significantly impact a woman’s lifestyle, particularly for those who are over 50.
SUI is the accidental leakage of urine during a “stress event” – a sneeze, cough, laugh, lifting a heavy object or other physical activity. In addition to the hormonal fluctuations, deterioration of bone and muscle mass, weight gain and other changes, many women suffer from SUI as they get older. SUI occurs when the muscles that support the bladder and hold the urethra (the tube you pass urine through) closed become weak. This results in the involuntary release of urine when a sudden spike in abdominal pressure is placed on the bladder during these activities.
It is estimated that approximately 1 in 4 women over the age of 40, and perhaps 1 in 3 over the age of 50 experience SUI. Although the severity of SUI can vary among women – some individuals may experience a small drop or two of urine during a stress event while others may release a considerable amount– the condition can hamper everyday activities and significantly impact a woman’s confidence and quality of life.
Women who suffer from SUI can experience discomfort or embarrassment at work, at social events, during sexual activity or while exercising. An accidental leak can disrupt a workout or lead to an embarrassing situation in a public setting. Wet clothing is uncomfortable and the fear of a noticeable odor is especially concerning. These problems often lead women to restrict their physical activity which may actually compromise their health. They may restrict social activities as well, cutting themselves off from friends and family.
Fortunately, there are solutions for women suffering from this condition. For management, many women turn to the old familiar pads or folds of toilet tissue or other absorbent products but these have the decided disadvantages of wetness against the skin, odor, bulk and risk of overflow onto clothing. Currently, the most common treatments for SUI are pelvic muscle exercises with or without physical therapy, internal vaginal bladder supports or surgery – however none of these treatments are perfect. Surgery has risks, failure rates and associated downtime, bladder supports can be uncomfortable and inconvenient and exercises require diligence and persistence.
A unique management option has recently become available directly to women with SUI. Finess is a new, first-of-its-kind-product designed specifically for SUI, intended to stop bladder leaks before they occur. Finess, which is made from a soft foam material with a gentle hydrogel adhesive, is placed over the urethral opening, where urine passes out of the body. This stops the leakage of urine during a stress event.
Finess can be worn during the day or night, during exercise or other physical activity and is designed for one time use – the product stays in place until it is removed and replaced during the next bathroom visit. The product should not be worn while swimming, showering or during sexual intercourse. Finess is discreet, comfortable, and easy to place and remove, and allows women the ability to participate in their everyday activities with confidence. It is the first and most clinically tested bladder leakage solution cleared by the FDA for consumer use.
SUI doesn’t have to disrupt or interfere with everyday activities. With a variety of solutions for SUI, women can continue to lead active, busy lives without worrying about this issue getting in the way. To determine which treatment is most appropriate, women should consult their doctors. If you are one of the millions of women living with SUI, don’t suffer in silence and compromise your life because of it. You deserve better!
For more information on SUI and Finess, please visit www.havefiness.com.
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